A GROUP of young people from a deprived estate have grasped a second chance to learn a trade.

Residents of Stoke Aldermoor in Coventry who left school with no qualifications have completed an 11-week training project to give them the chance to gain valuable experience and take the first step towards a career.

The initiative was organised by Whitefriars Housing Group, which invited the 15 young people to take part in the course after seeing them hanging around on the streets.

The participants attended an awards night at Stoke Aldermoor's People's Place centre, with their parents, to claim certificates marking their achievements in finance, cooking, decorating, budget-keeping, teamwork and woodwork.

Trainee Michael Brown said the course had helped him a lot.

The 21-year-old dad said: "I wanted to learn a trade, as that means you're pretty much set for life.

"I have a baby, and another on the way, so I need to provide for them. This qualification proves I can do what I say I can."

His proud mum Anne was at the ceremony to see Michael pick up his certificate.

She said: "I'm proud of my son. The People's Place is doing wonderful things for young people."

So far, three people from the course have found full-time employment and a further four have been accepted on to further training schemes.

The students were awarded their certificates and accredited qualification by Whitefriars' managing director Richard Monk.

He said: "These young people have shown tremendous dedication and I congratulate them on completing the course.

"It truly shows what can be achieved when organisations give young people a chance.

"These students grabbed the opportunity with both hands and I wish them luck in the ventures they take up in the future."

He added that the project could be extended to other areas of the city if further grant applications were accepted.